Page 105 of A Pizza My Heart

Without a word, Wren crawls between my legs, fitting her back against my chest and snuggling into me like she’s always belonged there.

Because she has.

I wrap an arm around her, bringing her even closer.

“Sure, wecouldhave had a good life together by now, but you’re stubborn as shit—which is something I’ve always loved about you, by the way. Despite everything I’ve endured because of your brutal, ego-bruising rejection, I’m good with that, with where we are now. You needed time, just like she said you did.”

“She?” She cranes her neck, looking up at me with a crinkle between her brows, lips pressed together in a thin line. “Who?”

“Your mom.”

“You talked to my mom about being in love with me before you talked to me about it?”

I shake my head, smiling at the memory…and at how offended she sounds because it’s so…well,her.

“No. She just knew. You know that photo in your hallway? The one we looked at after Mike mauled you on the beach?” She nods. “She caught me watching you from the shoreline. She knew and said to give you time, so I did.”

Her brows knit together even tighter. “And you listened to her?”

“Not for long since I told you how I felt just a few months later and you completely cockblocked my ass, making me run off and get married and essentially ruin my life, but you totally did the right thing.”

“Stop it.” She groans and tries to wiggle out of my embrace. “You’re making me feel bad.”

“I’m kidding.” I wrap my arm tighter around her, not letting her go. “I’m glad you said no. It gave us time to grow, time to make bad decisions and get all that shit out of the way. Now when you do finally give in to me, at least you’ll have your act together.”

She sticks her tongue out at my teasing and I dive in to kiss her, but she dodges my advances.

“Nope, no kissing tonight. I don’t trust you to not try to get into my pants.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I know how you think, and you think butt stuff is totally on the table since I’m on my period.”

I gasp. “That’s preposterous! Correct, but preposterous!”

She laughs. “See? I knew it.”

“You knew it, but you want it. Someone was really into the ass play at the club.”

“I will murder you if you bring it up again.”

“Not possible. Your blush is too sexy. It can’t be avoided.”

“You’re never going to get me to fall in love with you at this rate.”

I laugh, because she’s wrong. So very, very wrong.

“You say that like you’re not already in love with me.”

She doesn’t say anything, blushing even harder as she tries to wiggle out of my grasp again.

“Let me up, you horndog. I want torch s’mores.”

“Who said I brought stuff for torch s’mores?”

I did, naturally.

Back when we used to come here all the time, every Wednesday night was s’more night. I’d bring a long candle lighter and supplies and we’d gorge ourselves until we could hardly move.

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